Bodrum is far more than just another beach resort, even if it is the favoured hang out of today’s rich Turks. It hides a rich and mysterious history with plenty of evidence of its strategic importance as an ancient port. It lies in the south west of the Aegean Sea at the crossroads with the Mediterranean on the southern shore of the Bodrum Peninsula opposite the Greek Island of Kos. It is a renowned centre for international tourism and home to one of the regions leading yacht marinas. Cultural Vulture
Undoubtedly the most incredible site in this town is Bodrum Castle sometimes called the Castle of St Peter, which was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century using stone from the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed in 355 BC under the orders of King Mausolos’ wife and sister, Artemisia, the Mausoleum was sadly destroyed during an earthquake during the Middle Ages however many of the
remaining statues and reliefs from the site are now in the British Museum. The mausoleum was a work of art perched on top of a 21 stepped pyramid, 46 m high with 36 Ionian marble columns. Today, the castle, one of the best preserved medieval monuments in the world dominates the town’s landscape and is home to the award winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology. You don’t have to be a regular museum go-er to appreciate the exhibits here; on show are numerous relics found along the Turkish coast as well as one of the first shipwrecks ever found, the famous Uluburun, which carried one of the richest cargos. Bodrum’s fantastically preserved amphitheatre another of King Mausolus’ constructions, which was actually completed during the period of Roman rule. The newly restored Myndos Gate, the Ottoman Tower and the adjacent city walls to the west of the harbour are also well worth seeing and there are several old burial tombs in the area. The local architecture in the area fall into three categories; the oldest style is the tower house and there are 13 of them left standing. They were built as defences and are square with a wooden staircase leading to the entrance.Beach Life and Entertainment
Bodrum’s thin stretch of beach in the eastern half of the town has received much investment making it one of the best beaches on this stretch of coastline. The main promenade, which runs parallel to the beach, is full of open fronted bars, restaurants and nightclubs including the open air Halikarnas, the king of the club scene. The beaches are great places for a variety of sports including windsurfing at neighbouring Vass, diving, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing and boat tours including ferries over to some of the Greek Islands. Bodrum’s Turkish bath or Hamam situated near to the harbour is also worth taking in as are the mud baths located a short distance from the town. Don’t expect anything too elaborate or romantic – each of the sexes have their own bathing area at the bath house and the mud baths are literally p[its of mud where you roll around then clean off in the showers provided.
On the west side, the town takes a more up market feel thanks to the exclusive Marina and Yacht Club. This area exudes luxury and wealth and this is reflected in the style and prices of the boutiques and cafes that surround this area. For natural beauty, Paradise Bay should be added to your list it is situated near to Golkoy village, a short taxi ride away. Those who are worried about gaining extra pounds because of all of the delicious Turkish cuisine can enrol into the Belly Dancing workshop held in June and September on the luxurious Gulet Selina. The workshop will focus on well-being and the different factors that can deplete energy levels. The town also plays host to the Ballet Festival each August, as well as a host of rock and pop concerts staged either in the castle grounds or at the 2,000 year old amphitheatre, but if this is too intense for you go take a look at one of the camel fights. Fighting camels is far from being a blood sport, being more a questions of each camel’s strength rather than a battle to the death. The winning camel is the one that holds its opponent down for the longest stretch of time.
Out of Town
There are numerous quaint fishing villages only a few kilometers from the town and they all offer their own blend of charm and hospitality. The Menderes Valley was once the birthplace of many ancient civilisations and today offers a picturesque landscape of thick pine forests, olive groves and the heady scent of oleander. Amidst the valley is the glorious Bafa Lake enveloped in the distance by the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains. You can visit the remains of the old city of Heraklia and if you head eastwards towards the mountains, the ruins of ancient Alinda. Another incredible site on the Bodrum Peninsula are the many 18th century white, stone windmills, which were still in use right up until the Seventies. Many of these windmills are located around Yalikavak and a further seven between Bodrum and Gumbet on the Turgutreis road.
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